Looking for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Layered Pasta Salad is the ultimate showstopper! With layers of tender pasta, crisp veggies, cheese, and a creamy dressing, it’s the perfect recipe for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your guests.
Not only is it easy to make ahead, but the gorgeous layers make it look like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it comes together in under 30 minutes!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning – A rainbow of layers in a clear bowl makes it a centerpiece.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Customizable – Use your favorite pasta, veggies, or dressing.
- Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for gatherings and family-style meals.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or bowtie pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning (or Italian dressing mix)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Layer the Salad – In a large clear trifle bowl or glass dish, layer ingredients in this order:
- Pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Peas
- Black olives
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon (if using)
- Spread creamy dressing evenly on top
- Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the bacon and add chickpeas or extra cheese.
- Healthier Dressing – Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Different Pasta – Try penne, shells, or macaroni for a fun change.
- Make it Italian – Use mozzarella balls, salami, and Italian dressing instead of ranch.
Serving Ideas
This layered pasta salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- BBQ ribs or burgers
- Holiday turkey or ham
Storage
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as it chills, but don’t stir before serving to keep the pretty layers intact.
This Layered Pasta Salad is guaranteed to be the star of your table – colorful, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again! 🥗✨